JP2012016607A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of executing accurate (normal) control processing based on a control signal transmitted from one sub-control unit to the other sub-control unit in the other sub-control unit, and to provide a method of controlling the game machine.SOLUTION: A feedback request command is shifted from the transmission timing of a performance designation command for instructing control processing for deciding start conditions of a game performance for transmitting from a feedback request instruction output means 106H to a performance control unit 110. When the feedback request command is transmitted to the performance control unit 110, a feedback command which indicates the content of the control processing executed in the performance control unit 110 is transmitted from a feedback command output means 110F to the sub-control unit 106.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine or a revolving game machine that uses a game medium such as a game ball or game medal to play a game.

  Current gaming machines execute operation control of gaming machines by distributing a plurality of control units from the viewpoint of reducing the control burden and improving the efficiency of various control processes. For example, a configuration is adopted in which control processing related to the progress of the game (random number update, determination of success / failure, determination of variation pattern, etc.) is performed by the main control unit, and control processing related to the effects accompanying the progress of the game is performed by the sub-control unit. .

JP 2003-114729 A JP 2003-190561 A JP 2005-296286 A JP 200497481 A

  By the way, if the sub-control units are decentralized, the consistency between the effect control process by one sub-control unit and the effect control process by another sub-control unit cannot be achieved, and normal (accurate) effect control cannot be performed. May occur.

  Here, a sub-control unit and an effect control unit are provided as sub-control units, and a control signal related to effect control is transmitted from the sub-control unit to the effect control unit, and a predetermined game effect is executed in the effect control unit. A technique is known in which a response signal indicating that a control signal instructing the start of a predetermined control process has been received from the sub control unit is transmitted from the effect control unit to the sub control unit (Patent Document 1). To Patent Document 3).

  However, the response transmission transmitted from the production control unit to the sub-control unit returns the fact that the control signal transmitted from the sub-control unit has been received, and the actual control process executed in the production control unit. It does not indicate content. For this reason, it remains unclear whether or not the control processing in the effect control unit is accurately executed based on the control signal transmitted from the sub control unit to the effect control unit. No means for confirming the actual control processing status in the control unit has been taken.

  Therefore, in consideration of the above circumstances, the present invention causes another sub-control unit to execute an accurate (normal) control process based on a control signal transmitted from one sub-control unit to another sub-control unit. An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can be used.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a main control unit that transmits a first control signal related to a game effect, and a control process for realizing the game effect upon receiving the first control signal from the main control unit are instructed. A control signal can be transmitted and received between the first sub-control unit that transmits the second control signal and the first sub-control unit, and the second control signal from the first sub-control unit A game machine having a second sub-control unit that executes a control process based on the display, and an effect symbol display device that displays a symbol based on a control signal from the second sub-control unit,
The first sub-control unit is for realizing an effect pattern determining means for determining an effect pattern displayed on the effect symbol display device based on the first control signal, and a symbol variation effect according to the effect pattern. First state storage means for storing information, production designation command output means for transmitting the second control signal for executing the production pattern to the second sub control unit, and execution by the second sub control unit Request signal transmitting means for transmitting to the second sub-control unit a request signal for requesting transmission of a feedback signal indicating the content of the control processing to be performed, and specifying from the feedback signal when the feedback signal is received An abnormality presence / absence determining means for determining whether or not the information to be stored matches the information stored in the first state storage means,
The second sub-control unit generates image data based on the second control signal, transmits image data to the effect symbol display device, and a symbol executed by the second sub-control unit. A second state storage means for storing information on variation effects, and a feedback signal including information on the design variation effects stored in the second state storage means upon receipt of the request signal to the first sub-control unit. And feedback signal transmission means for transmitting.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the request signal is transmitted to the second sub-control unit, a confirmation signal indicating the content of the control process executed by the second sub-control unit is sent from the confirmation signal transmitting unit to the first. It is transmitted to the sub-control unit. As a result, the first sub-control unit can determine, based on the confirmation signal, whether or not the content of the control process instructed by the second control signal matches the content of the control process specified from the confirmation signal. It can be determined whether or not the control process designated by the first sub-control unit is normally executed by the second sub-control unit.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the first sub-control unit performs control processing executed by the second sub-control unit when the abnormality presence / absence determining unit determines that the symbol information does not match. Correction signal transmitting means for transmitting to the second sub-control unit a correction signal for correcting so that the content of the control process is the content of the control process instructed by the second control signal,
The second sub-control unit is configured to display the symbol on the effect symbol display device based on the correction signal received from the correction signal output unit.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the confirmation signal is received, it is controlled whether or not the content of the control process indicated by the second control signal matches the content of the control process specified from the confirmation signal. This is determined by the processing content comparison means. If the two do not match, a correction signal for correcting the content of the control process executed in the second sub-control unit to be the content of the control process indicated by the second control signal is The correction signal is transmitted from the correction signal transmitting means of the control unit to the second sub-control unit. Thereby, normal (accurate) control processing can always be executed in the second sub-control unit.

  In another aspect of the invention, a main control unit that transmits a first control signal related to a game effect, and a second control signal that receives a first control signal from the main control unit and instructs a control process for realizing a game effect. The first sub-control unit that transmits and the first sub-control unit are configured to be able to transmit and receive control signals, and execute control processing based on the second control signal from the first sub-control unit. The first sub-control unit requests transmission of a confirmation signal (also referred to as “feedback signal”) indicating the content of control processing executed by the second sub-control unit. Request signal transmitting means for transmitting a request signal to the second sub-control unit, and the second sub-control unit receives the request signal and transmits a confirmation signal to the first sub-control unit. Confirmation signal transmission means (also called “feedback signal output means”) No. transmitting means, by shifting the transmission timing of the second control signal for instructing the control process according to the start of game effects, and transmits the request signal.

  According to another aspect of the invention, the request signal is shifted from the transmission timing of the second control signal for instructing the control processing related to the start of the game effect, and the second sub control is performed from the request signal transmission unit of the first sub control unit. Sent to the part. When the request signal is transmitted to the second sub-control unit, a confirmation signal indicating the content of the control process executed by the second sub-control unit is transmitted from the confirmation signal transmitting unit to the first sub-control unit. As a result, the first sub-control unit can determine, based on the confirmation signal, whether or not the content of the control process instructed by the second control signal matches the content of the control process specified from the confirmation signal. It can be determined whether or not the control process designated by the first sub-control unit is normally executed by the second sub-control unit.

  Here, since the request signal is transmitted to the second sub-control unit so as to be shifted from the transmission timing of the second control signal instructing the control process related to the start of the game effect, the first sub-control unit It is possible to accurately grasp the contents of the control process executed by the two sub-control units.

  That is, when the request signal is transmitted to the second sub-control unit at the same transmission timing as the transmission timing of the second control signal instructing the control process related to the start of the game effect, the second control signal in the second sub-control unit Depending on the temporal relationship between the start timing of the game effect based on the reception of and the generation timing of the confirmation signal based on the reception of the request signal in the second sub-control unit, the control in the second sub-control unit specified by the confirmation signal The content of the process becomes the one immediately before the start of the game effect indicated by the second control signal transmitted by the first sub-control unit this time (for the second control signal of the previous time), or the first control unit is the current time The content of the control process specified by the second control signal, such as the one immediately after the start of the game effect indicated by the transmitted second control signal (for the current second control signal) And if a match does not match the case may occur.

  Here, if the content of the control process in the second sub-control unit specified by the confirmation signal and the content of the control process instructed by the second control signal transmitted this time by the first sub-control unit do not match, Even though the second sub-control unit receives the second control signal related to the production start and normally executes the control process, the first sub-control unit is performing the normal control process. It will be judged that there is not.

  Thus, when the request signal is transmitted to the second sub-control unit at the same transmission timing as the transmission timing of the second control signal instructing the control process related to the start of the game effect, the control process by the second sub-control unit In spite of normal operation, there is a risk that an erroneous determination is made in the first sub-control unit. In this case, the first sub-control unit performs control processing executed in the second sub-control unit. There is a risk that the contents cannot be accurately grasped.

  Therefore, by transmitting the request signal with a shift from the transmission timing of the second control signal instructing the control process related to the start of the game effect, the control process by the second sub-control unit is normally performed. Thus, it is possible to prevent a situation in which an erroneous determination is made in the first sub-control unit. Thereby, the 1st sub control part can grasp | ascertain the content of the control process performed by a 2nd sub control part correctly.

  The “game effect” is, for example, a symbol variation effect that is triggered by a winning game ball, a movable accessory effect that is accompanied by the execution of the symbol variation effect, or the start of a big hit game (special game) Accompanied by these effects, jackpot game effects that are performed, demonstration effects that are performed when the game progress is interrupted (stagnation) for a certain period of time, game mode effects (background effects) that indicate the current gaming state such as probability change and time reduction, etc. It means various effects performed according to the progress of the game, such as a sound effect and a light emission effect. Further, the “second control signal for instructing control processing related to the start of the game effect” means a control signal for instructing execution of the control processing for starting the various effects described above.

  According to another invention 2, in the gaming machine of the other invention 2, the request signal transmitting means transmits the request signal at the same transmission timing as the transmission timing of the second control signal instructing the control processing related to the end of the game effect. It is characterized by that.

  According to another aspect of the invention, the request signal is transmitted from the request signal transmitting means to the second sub-control unit at the same transmission timing as the transmission timing of the second control signal instructing the control processing related to the end of the game effect. The As a result, since the transmission timings of both are the same, it is possible to transmit the request signal in the second control signal, and the second control signal and the request signal can be transmitted simultaneously in one transmission step. . Thereby, an extra transmission process can be reduced and the transmission efficiency of a signal can be raised. In addition, the confirmation signal transmitted from the second sub-control unit to the first sub-control unit based on the reception of the request signal is always the one at the end of the current (present) game effect (for the current second control signal). Stuff). For this reason, the content of the control process of the second sub-control unit specified by the confirmation signal always matches the content of the control process specified by the second control signal. Thereby, the 1st sub control part can grasp | ascertain the content of the control process performed by a 2nd sub control part correctly.

  Another invention 3 is characterized in that, in the other invention 1 or 2, the request signal transmitting means transmits the next request signal after a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous request signal was transmitted.

  According to another invention 3, the next request signal is transmitted from the request signal transmitting means to the second sub-control unit after a certain period of time has elapsed since the previous request signal was transmitted from the first sub-control unit. . As a result, the first sub-control unit receives the confirmation signal many times each time a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous request signal was transmitted. As a result, the contents of the control process executed by the second sub control unit can be confirmed periodically.

  In particular, when the request signal is transmitted to the second sub-control unit at the same transmission timing as the transmission timing of the second control signal instructing the control process related to the end of the game effect, for example, one symbol variation time After a game production of a game with a short (such as a variation of the production symbol is shortened, a probability variation game or a short-time game), confirmation signals will be transmitted one after another after a short time. There arises a problem that the number of transmissions increases too much. Therefore, by adding a condition that the next request signal is transmitted every time a certain period of time has elapsed since the previous request signal was transmitted, the number of times of transmission of the confirmation signal can be adjusted to an appropriate number.

  Another invention 4 is the gaming machine according to any one of the other inventions 1 to 3, wherein when the first sub-control unit receives the confirmation signal, the control process instructed by the second control signal is performed. Control processing content comparing means for determining whether the content and the content of the control processing specified from the confirmation signal match, and when the control processing content comparing means determines that the two do not match, Correction for transmitting to the second sub-control unit a correction signal for correcting so that the content of the control process executed in the second sub-control unit becomes the content of the control process indicated by the second control signal And a signal transmission means.

  According to the fourth aspect of the invention, when the confirmation signal is received, it is determined whether or not the content of the control process indicated by the second control signal matches the content of the control process specified from the confirmation signal. Determined by means. If the two do not match, a correction signal for correcting the content of the control process executed in the second sub-control unit to be the content of the control process indicated by the second control signal is The correction signal is transmitted from the correction signal transmitting means of the control unit to the second sub-control unit. Thereby, normal (accurate) control processing can always be executed in the second sub-control unit.

  According to another aspect of the invention, a main control unit that transmits a first control signal related to a game effect, and a second control that instructs a control process for realizing the game effect upon receiving the first control signal from the main control unit. A control signal is transmitted and received between the first sub-control unit that transmits a signal and the first sub-control unit, and based on the second control signal from the first sub-control unit, A second sub-control unit that executes a control process, wherein the second control signal is shifted from a transmission timing of the second control signal that instructs the control process related to the start of a game effect. A request signal transmission step of transmitting a request signal for requesting transmission of a confirmation signal indicating the content of the control processing executed by the sub-control unit from the first sub-control unit to the second sub-control unit; Receiving the request signal and sending the confirmation signal to the second A confirmation signal transmitting step of transmitting from the controller to the first sub-control unit, and having a.

  According to another aspect of the invention, in the request signal transmission step, the request signal is shifted from the first sub control unit to the second sub control unit by shifting from the transmission timing of the second control signal instructing the control process related to the start of the game effect. Sent to. Further, in the confirmation signal transmission step, the confirmation signal is received from the second sub control unit to the first sub control unit in response to the request signal.

  As a result, the first sub-control unit can determine, based on the confirmation signal, whether or not the content of the control process instructed by the second control signal matches the content of the control process specified from the confirmation signal. It can be determined whether or not the control process designated by the first sub-control unit is being executed by the second sub-control unit.

  In addition, the first sub-control unit is executed by the second sub-control unit by transmitting the request signal shifted from the transmission timing of the second control signal instructing the control processing for determining the start condition of the game effect. It is possible to accurately grasp the contents of the control processing.

  The sub-control unit can execute an accurate (normal) control process based on a control signal transmitted from one sub-control unit to another sub-control unit.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view of the game board of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a part of electronic control apparatus of the game machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the main control part which comprises the electronic control apparatus of the game machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention, a sub control part, and an effect control part. It is a flowchart which shows each process of the presentation control process in the sub-control part of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows each process of the presentation control process in the presentation control part of the game machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows each process of the 1st modification of the presentation control process in the sub-control part of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows each process of the 2nd modification of the presentation control process in the sub-control part of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the main control part which comprises the electronic control apparatus of the game machine which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention, a sub control part, and an effect control part. It is a flowchart which shows each process of the presentation control process in the sub control part of the game machine which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows each process of the presentation control process in the presentation control part of the game machine which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

  Next, a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a configuration in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine that is an example of a ball game machine will be described.

As shown in FIG. 1, the front part of the pachinko machine (game machine) 10 according to the first embodiment mainly includes an outer frame 12, an inner frame 14, a front frame 16, an upper plate part 18, and a lower part. A dish portion 20, a locking device 22, a firing handle 24, and the like are provided.
The outer frame 12 is obtained by assembling and fixing a wooden plate-like body into a substantially rectangular frame shape. The inner frame 14 is entirely made of plastic and is pivotally supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame 12. A locking device 22 is provided slightly below the center of the right end of the inner frame 14.

  The front frame 16 is a specific example of the front door of the present invention, occupies about 2/3 of the entire front portion of the pachinko machine 10, and is pivotally supported at the left end of the inner frame 14 so that it can be opened and closed. Has been. The front frame 16 is entirely made of plastic, and corresponds to the shape of the game area 28 (see FIG. 2) formed in the game board 26 so that the game board 26 (see FIG. 2) can be seen from the front. It has an opening 30 formed in a substantially circular shape. A glass plate 32 is attached to the back surface of the front frame 16 by a glass frame (not shown). Then, based on the player, the game area 28 formed on the game board 26 is positioned behind the glass plate 32.

On the lower side of the front frame 16 is provided an upper tray portion 18 for storing game balls. The top plate portion 18 is provided with a production button 40. A lower dish 20 is provided below the upper dish 18. A launching handle 24 for launching a game ball is provided on the lower right side of the lower plate part 20. The firing handle 24 is provided with a firing lever 44 and a firing stop button 46, respectively.
Two speakers 48 for outputting predetermined sound effects are provided on the lower left and right sides of the lower dish portion 20.

The inner frame 14 has an opening (not shown) that matches the shape of the game area 28 (see FIG. 2). A game board 26 (see FIG. 2) is attached to the inner side surface of the inner frame 14. Thereby, the player can visually recognize the game area 28 of the game board 26 through the opening of the inner frame 14 and the opening 30 of the front frame 16.
Furthermore, a ball lending device 154 is provided on the front left side of the pachinko machine 10. The upper plate 18 is provided with a ball lending switch 156 for requesting ball lending and a return switch 158 for requesting the return of the prepaid card inserted into the card insertion slot 157, respectively.

Next, the surface structure of the game board 26 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 2, the game board 26 is held by the inner frame 14, and its back side is covered by a back mechanism board (not shown). In the game board 26, a substantially circular game area 28 is formed by an outer rail 50 and an inner rail 52 provided on the surface of the game board 26. Inside the game area 28, a central device 54, a start port 56B, a warp entrance 58, a number of obstacle nails 60, a windmill 63, and the like are disposed.
The central device 54 is disposed substantially at the center of the game area 28 and includes an effect symbol display device 62, a center accessory 64, and a lamp device 66.

  The effect symbol display device 62 is display-controlled based on control signals from a main control unit 102 (see FIG. 3) and a sub-control unit 106 (see FIG. 3) described later, and has a substantially rectangular display surface (display area). ) 62A. On the display surface 62A, a special symbol effect symbol is variably displayed. Specifically, on the display surface 62A of the effect symbol display device 62, there is formed an effect symbol display area in which one or a plurality of effect symbols are displayed while changing one after another in a predetermined direction and then stopped. . That is, the left effect symbol display area for displaying the left effect symbol, the center effect symbol display area for displaying the center effect symbol, and the right effect symbol display area for displaying the right effect symbol are arranged in a substantially horizontal row. They are formed side by side (not shown). In each effect symbol display area, a symbol variation direction is set in a direction (vertical direction) substantially orthogonal to the arrangement direction of these display areas, and a plurality of effect symbols are sequentially displayed in that direction. In addition to the effect symbols, a background symbol indicating the current gaming state (normal gaming state, probability variation state, short-time gaming state, etc.) is also displayed on the display surface 62A.

  The effect symbol display device 62 causes the effect symbols displayed in the display area of the display surface to change and stop display when the game ball enters the start opening 56B. Then, for example, when the effect symbols are “7, 7, 7” with the same three-digit symbols and are stopped and displayed (determined display), the big prize of the below-described big prize device 84 arranged in the below-described variable prize device 80 will be displayed. The mouth 86 is opened. In the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment, when a game ball enters the start opening 56B, each effect symbol is changed, and the effect symbol is arranged in the same three-digit symbol, thereby giving a specific value of “big hit”. is there.

Here, in the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment, for example, two types of big hits are set in advance. Specifically, there is a probable big hit that is established when three digits of the same odd-numbered effect symbols such as “7, 7, 7” are arranged. In addition, there is a normal jackpot that is established when the same even-numbered effects such as “8, 8, 8” are arranged in three digits.
The probable big hit and the normal big hit are big hits having a relatively large number of rounds (for example, 15 rounds) and the opening time of the big winning opening 86 being about 26 seconds. For this reason, the number of prize balls is relatively large. In each big hit, a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls enter the big winning opening 86, or a predetermined time (for example, 10) even if a predetermined number (for example, 10) of the game balls do not enter. For example, when 26 seconds) elapses, the big winning opening 86 is closed and one round is completed.

  Further, the probability variation state (so-called probability variation) is a state in which the probability of shifting to a big hit (meaning two kinds of big hits, ie, a promiscuous big hit and a normal big hit) becomes a predetermined high probability. The open time extended state is a state in which the opening time of the start port 56B is extended more than usual. For example, the normal opening time is about 0.1 seconds, while in the extended opening time state, it is extended to about 4 seconds. The start port 56B is opened by winning a normal symbol lottery, and functions as a normal electric accessory.

  In addition, after the probable big hit, the probability of shifting to the big hit becomes a special symbol probability fluctuation state in which the probability is higher than the normal gaming state. Then, the variation time of the special symbol and the normal symbol is shortened until the next big hit is generated, or until the special symbol variation display is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 10,000 times), and the start port 56B. The open extension function is activated. In addition, after the normal jackpot, the probability of shifting to the big jackpot becomes a predetermined low probability state that is the same as the normal gaming state, and the variation time of the special symbol and the normal symbol is reduced by a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times). When the opening extension function of the start port 56B is activated, the short game state is set.

  The center accessory 64 is mounted so as to protrude from the front peripheral portion of the effect symbol display device 62. The center accessory 64 has a pair of movable blade pieces 64A. The opening area of the warp entrance 58 is changed by the movement of the blade piece 64A.

  In addition, on the lower left side of the game area, a 7-segment display unit (design) that controls display of an identification symbol (which means an identification symbol of a special symbol and an identification symbol of a normal symbol) based on a control signal from the main control unit 102. Display device) 68 is arranged. The 7-segment display unit 68 displays a 7-segment display 70 for displaying a special symbol identification symbol, four normal symbol hold display LEDs 72, four special symbol hold indication LEDs 74, and a normal symbol identification symbol. And two normal symbol display LEDs 76.

  Here, in the case of a probable big hit, a predetermined identification symbol (for example, a probable big hit symbol consisting of an odd number) is stopped and displayed on the 7-segment display 70. In the case of a normal big hit, another predetermined identification symbol (for example, a normal big hit symbol consisting of an even number) is stopped and displayed on the 7-segment display 70.

  Further, a normal symbol operation gate 78 is arranged on the left side of the effect symbol display device 62. A gate switch 124 (see FIG. 4) is disposed inside the normal symbol operating gate 78. Thus, when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 78, the gate switch 124 is operated, and the normal symbol display LED 76 of the 7-segment display unit 68 is variably displayed.

  Each normal symbol hold display LED 72 and each special symbol hold display LED 74 are composed of four round red LEDs, and are arranged close to the left and right sides of the 7-segment display 70. In this case, the number of game balls that have passed through the normal symbol operation gate 78 is set to hold the normal symbols up to four, and the lights are sequentially turned on and shifted for each passage. In addition, the number of game balls that have entered the start opening 56B is also reserved for up to four special symbols, which are sequentially lit and shifted for each incoming ball. Each time the variable display on the 7-segment display 70 starts, the number of unstarted times is exhausted, and one special symbol hold display LED 74 is turned off. Further, each time the normal symbol display LED 76 starts to change the normal symbol, the number of unstarted times is consumed, and one normal symbol hold display LED 72 is turned off. Then, when a predetermined jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the 7-segment display 70, a jackpot is generated, and a jackpot 86 described later is opened. Further, when the two normal symbol display LEDs 76 are stopped and displayed in a predetermined display mode (a winning symbol), a normal symbol hit occurs and the start port 56B is opened. The special symbol identification symbol displayed on the 7-segment display 70 and the special symbol effect symbol displayed on the effect symbol display device 62 indicate the same game result (lottery result). .

  The start port 56B is disposed below the effect symbol display device 62 and is formed so as to open and close the pair of wing piece members 56A in a so-called tulip type. Inside thereof, a start port switch 120 (see FIG. 4) for detecting the passage of the game ball and a start port solenoid 130 (see FIG. 4) for operating the wing piece member 56A are provided. When the pair of wing piece members 56A are opened to the left and right, the opening area of the start port 56B is increased, and the possibility of entering a game ball is increased. When the pair of wing piece members 56A are closed and the separation distance is reduced. The opening area of the start opening 56B is reduced, and the normal state is reduced where the possibility of entering a game ball is reduced.

  The variable winning device 80 is disposed below the start opening 56B and includes a large winning device 84. Here, the grand prize winning device 84 is disposed substantially at the center, and has a grand prize winning opening 86 opened in a strip shape, an opening / closing plate 88 for opening or closing the special winning prize opening 86, and opening / closing the opening / closing plate 88. A large winning opening solenoid 132 (see FIG. 3) and a count switch 126 (see FIG. 3) for detecting a winning ball.

  A windmill 63 is disposed on the lower left side of the central device 54. Further, a pair of side lamps 90 are respectively disposed on the lower left portion and the lower right portion of the game area.

  An out port 92 is provided below the game board 26, and a back ball preventing member 94 is provided below the out port 92. The back ball preventing member 94 prevents the game ball that has returned without reaching the game area 28 from returning to the launch position again. A foul ball prevention member 96 is attached to the tip of the inner rail 52.

  Next, an electronic control device that constitutes the pachinko machine 10 will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the electronic control device mainly includes a main control unit 102, a payout control unit 104, a sub control unit (first sub control unit) 106, a launch control unit 108, and production control. Unit (second sub-control unit) 110.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the main control unit 102 is composed of a CPU, and controls the entire game and mainly determines a game state such as a determination of success or failure. The main control unit 102 includes a success / failure determination unit 102A, a variation time (variation pattern) determination unit 102B, and a main control command output unit 102C.

  The success / failure determination means 102A executes a big hit lottery process triggered by a game ball entering the start port 56B, and determines the success / failure using an arbitrary random number. The variation time (variation pattern) determination unit 102B determines the variation pattern (variation time) of the special symbol (identification symbol) in accordance with the execution of the special symbol determination by the determination unit 102A. The variation time (variation pattern) determining means 102B stores a variation pattern determination program for determining a variation pattern (effect pattern of the effect symbol) of the special symbol (identification symbol), and the variation pattern of the special symbol according to this program. Is determined. The determination of the special symbol variation pattern is performed in accordance with the random number lottery (big hit lottery) performed by the success / failure determination means 102A. When the variation display of the identification symbol and the production symbol is started, one random number value is obtained. (Variation pattern determining random number) is acquired. The variation time (variation pattern) determination unit 102B stores a variation pattern determination table in which a plurality of variation patterns (effect patterns) are associated with the value of the variation pattern determination random number. When the random value is acquired, the variation pattern corresponding to the acquired random value is determined based on the variation pattern determination table.

  The main control command output means 102C outputs a main control command (first control signal) for realizing a predetermined gaming state to the sub-control unit 106 based on the result of the determination of success / failure. Here, as a specific example of the main control command, each effect symbol (left effect symbol, central effect symbol, right effect symbol) and notice symbol (each effect symbol) that are displayed in a variable manner and stopped on the effect symbol display device 62. In addition to a designation command that specifies a variation pattern of a special symbol (identification symbol) related to the content of another different symbol, which means a symbol such as a character or the like displayed together with each effect symbol or separately from each effect symbol In addition, there are a symbol designation (determination result designation) command for designating a special symbol to be stopped, a symbol stop command for instructing stop (stop display) of a special symbol (effect symbol) variable display, and the like.

  The variation pattern of the identification symbol corresponds to the effect pattern (game effect) of each effect symbol displayed on the effect symbol display device 62, and the variation pattern of the special symbol (identification symbol) (the effect pattern of the effect symbol) When a variation pattern designation command corresponding to the determined variation pattern is transmitted to the sub-control unit 106, variation display of a special symbol (identification symbol) is started on the 7-segment display 70, and The symbol display device 62 starts the variation display of the effect symbols. When the variation time specified by the determined variation pattern elapses and the symbol stop command is transmitted to the sub-control unit 106, the special symbol and the effect symbol are stopped and displayed, and the symbol combination of the effect symbols that are stopped and displayed According to the mode, the player is notified of the determination result of the special symbol (the jackpot lottery result).

  The main control unit 102 controls the sub-control unit 106 that controls the change display and stop display of the effect symbols described above, and payout control of prize balls generated when game balls enter the various winning holes provided on the board. The payout control unit 104 that performs the above is directly controlled.

  The main control unit 102 is electrically connected to the start port switch 120, the big prize port switch 122, the gate switch 124, and the count switch 126 via the relay terminal 118, respectively.

  The main control unit 102 is electrically connected to the start opening solenoid 130, the big prize opening solenoid 132, and the symbol display device 134 via the relay terminal 128, respectively. The 7-segment display unit 68 is an embodiment of the symbol display device 134.

  The payout control unit 104 is electrically connected to the glass frame switch 138, the external tank switch 140, and the tank switch 142 via the relay terminal 136, respectively. The payout control unit 104 is electrically connected to the error LED 146 via the relay terminal 144. The payout control unit 104 is electrically connected to the lower pan full tank switch 148. Further, the payout control unit 104 is electrically connected to a ball rental display unit 152 and a ball rental device (CR unit) 154 via a relay terminal 150, respectively.

  A ball lending switch 156 and a return switch 158 are electrically connected to the ball lending display unit 152, respectively. Further, the payout control unit 104 is electrically connected to the payout motor 162 and the payout switch 164 via the relay terminal 160, respectively. Further, the payout control unit 104 is electrically connected to the main control unit 102 and the launch control unit 108, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the sub control unit 106 is connected so as to be able to transmit and receive control signals to and from the effect control unit (second sub control unit) 110.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the sub-control unit 106 is constituted by a CPU, and controls the game effects based on a main control command (first control signal, the same applies hereinafter) from the main control unit 102. Is. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the sub-control unit 106 has a main control command input means 106A, a main control command analysis means 106B, an effect pattern determination means 106C, a state storage means 106D, and an effect designation command output means 106E. Sound output means 106F, feedback request timing monitoring means 106G, feedback request instruction output means (request signal transmission means) 106H, feedback command input means 106I, abnormality presence / absence determination means (control processing content comparison means) 106J, Return command output means (correction signal transmission means) 106K.

  The main control command input unit 106A inputs (receives) the main control command output (transmitted) from the main control command output unit 102C of the main control unit 102.

  The main control command analysis means 106B analyzes the contents of the main control command input to the main control command input means 106A.

  The effect pattern determination means 106C determines the effect pattern based on the analysis result analyzed by the main control command analysis means 106B. Specifically, the effect pattern is determined based on the variation pattern designation command, the symbol designation command, etc. output from the main control command output means 102C. The contents of the effect pattern correspond to a variation pattern of an image effect that is variably displayed on the display surface 62A of the effect symbol display device 62, an output pattern of a sound effect output from the speaker 48, and the like.

  The state storage unit 106D stores the contents of the effect control process performed based on the effect pattern determined in response to the main control command. The contents of the effect control process stored in the state storage unit 106D are used when compared with the control process contents in the effect control unit 110 specified by a feedback command described later from the effect control unit 110. The contents of the effect control process stored in the state storage unit 106D include an effect control process (such as an effect symbol or an effect design command instructed by an effect designation command transmitted to the effect control unit 110 by an effect designation command output means 106E described later). Information (effect information) related to the effect display using the background symbol can be exemplified. Specifically, information for realizing the symbol variation effect according to the determined effect pattern (such as the type of variation pattern of the effect symbol) and the background displayed as the background of the variation display of the effect symbol in the symbol variation effect Information for realizing the production (such as the type of background symbol indicating the gaming state such as probability change or short time) can be exemplified.

  The effect designation command output unit 106E outputs to the effect control unit 110 an effect designation command (second control signal, the same applies hereinafter) for executing the effect pattern determined by the effect pattern determination unit 106C. In the present embodiment, the effect designation command output from the effect designation command output means 106E is the start of the effect display corresponding to the effect pattern determined by the effect pattern determination means 106C (effect symbol variation display), This is a command that instructs the end of the effect display (stop display of the effect symbol) and the type of effect symbol to be stopped when the effect display ends.

  The sound output means 106F is composed of a sound source IC, and outputs a predetermined sound effect with a predetermined volume based on the sound output pattern defined by the effect pattern determined by the effect pattern determination means 106C.

  The feedback request timing monitoring means 106G is a so-called timer, and adjusts the output (transmission) timing of the feedback request command output from the feedback request instruction output means 106H. The feedback request command is a signal for requesting the effect control unit 110 to transmit (reply) a feedback command indicating the contents of the effect control process executed in the effect control unit 110. Here, the transmission timing of the feedback request command is the transmission of the effect designation command instructing the control processing related to the start of the game effect among the effect designation commands transmitted from the effect designation command output means 106E to the effect control unit 110. It is set to deviate from the timing.

  The feedback request instruction output means 106H outputs the above-described feedback request command to the effect control unit 110. At this time, a feedback request command is output from the feedback request instruction output unit 106H based on the transmission timing adjusted by the feedback request timing monitoring unit 106G. Specifically, the feedback request instruction output means 106H is an effect designation command for instructing a control process related to the start of a game effect among the effect designation commands transmitted from the effect designation command output means 106E to the effect control unit 110. The feedback request command is output with a shift from the transmission timing.

  The feedback request timing monitoring unit 106G is not an essential component. That is, in the configuration in which the feedback request timing monitoring unit 106G is not provided, it is preferable to output the feedback request command in accordance with the output (transmission) timing of the effect designation command for ending the effect symbol variation display.

  The feedback command input means 106I inputs (receives) a feedback command output from the effect control unit 110 to the sub control unit 106 in response to the feedback request command.

  Based on the feedback command from the production control unit 110 input to the feedback command input unit 106I, the abnormality presence / absence determination unit 106J is identified from the content of the production control process in the production control unit 110 instructed by the production designation command and the feedback command. It is determined whether or not the contents of the effect control process in the effect control unit 110 to be performed match.

  The return command output means 106K has the contents of the effect control process in the effect control unit 110 instructed by the effect designation command by the abnormality presence / absence determination means 106J, the contents of the effect control process in the effect control unit 110 specified from the feedback command, When it is determined that they do not match, a return command for executing the effect control process instructed by the effect designation command by the effect control unit 110 is output. Thereby, on the display surface 62A of the effect symbol display device 62, the effect symbol instructed by the effect designation command is displayed in a variable manner, and normal effect control processing in the effect control unit 110 is executed.

  Note that the transmission timing for outputting the return command is the timing when the variation display of the current effect symbol ends, or just before the variation display of the current effect symbol ends and the variation display of the next effect symbol starts. Is preferred. By adopting such a return command transmission timing, the display content switching is not unnatural when it is corrected (returned) to a normal effect display, and concentrated on the display surface 62A of the effect symbol display device 62. It is possible to prevent the player from feeling uncomfortable enough to lower the gaming interest.

  An effect symbol display device 62 is connected to the effect control unit 110. Here, the sub control unit 106 and the effect control unit 110 may be configured to be mounted on the same board, or may be configured to be mounted independently on different boards.

  The effect control unit 110 includes an effect designation command input means 110A, an effect designation command analysis means 110B, an image output means (VDP) 110C, a state storage means 110D, a feedback request instruction input means 110E, and a feedback command output means ( (Confirmation signal transmission means) 110F and return command input means 110G.

  The effect designation command input means 110A inputs (receives) the effect command output from the effect designation command output means 106E of the sub-control unit 106.

  The effect designation command analysis means 110B analyzes the contents of the effect designation command input to the effect designation command input means 110A.

  The image output means (VDP) 110C generates various image data (drawing data) necessary for the variation display of the production symbol that matches the variation pattern of the production symbol based on the content of the production designation command. Output to the effect symbol display device 62. Thereby, the variation display of the effect symbol and the display of the background symbol are performed on the display surface 62 of the effect symbol display device 62.

  The state storage unit 110D stores the contents of the effect control process executed by the effect control unit 110 in response to the effect designation command. Here, the content of the effect control process means effect information (data) used for realizing a game effect under the control of the effect control unit 110, for example, a variation display pattern of effect symbols. Information related to the variation pattern that defines the game, and information related to various symbols (such as production symbols, background symbols indicating the current gaming state such as probability variation, time reduction, etc.) displayed on the display surface 62A of the production symbol display device 62 Is stored in the state storage means 110D.

  The feedback request instruction input unit 110E inputs (receives) the feedback request command output from the feedback request instruction output unit 106H.

  The feedback command output means 110F receives the feedback request command and outputs the feedback command to the sub-control unit 106. This feedback command is a signal indicating the contents of the effect control process executed in the effect control unit 110. Specifically, in addition to the effect pattern variation pattern, the feedback command is displayed on the display surface 62A of the effect symbol display device 62. The contents of various images to be displayed (such as effect symbols that are stopped and displayed, background symbols that indicate the current gaming state such as probability change and time reduction, etc.) can be included in the feedback command.

  The return command input unit 110G inputs (receives) the return command output from the return command output unit 106K of the sub-control unit 106. Here, when the return command is received by the return command input means 110G, the effect control process instructed by the return command is executed, and the normal effect display based on the return command is displayed on the display screen of the effect symbol display device 62. At 62A. In this way, the effect control process in the effect control unit 110 is corrected, and the normal state is restored.

  Next, the effect control process in the sub-control unit 106 will be described based on a flowchart.

  As shown in FIG. 5, it is determined whether or not a main control command including a variation pattern designation command and a symbol designation command has been inputted by the main control command input means 106A of the sub-control unit 106 (S100).

  When it is determined that a main control command including a variation pattern designation command and a symbol designation command has been input (S100: YES), the main control command analysis means 106B analyzes the input main control command, and the analysis result is included in the analysis result. Based on this, the effect pattern determining means 106C determines the effect pattern (S110). In S110, an image effect pattern indicating the variation display content of the effect symbol and a sound effect pattern indicating the sound output content are respectively determined as the effect patterns.

  Next, effect information corresponding to the effect pattern determined in S110 is stored in the state storage means 106D (S120). Here, the effect information stored in the state storage means 106D is, as described above, information related to the effect control process (the effect display process using the effect symbol and the background symbol) designated by the effect designation command, that is, S110. Information on the contents of various images displayed on the display surface 62A of the effect symbol display device 62 based on the effect pattern determined in (such as effect symbols to be stopped, background symbols indicating the current gaming state such as probability change / short time, etc.) (Image information). Further, the effect information can include information (sound information) related to the content of the sound effect (sound type, tone color, volume, etc.) output from the speaker 48 based on the effect pattern determined in S110.

  Next, an effect designation command corresponding to the effect pattern determined in S110 is output from the effect designation command output means 106E to the effect control unit 110 (S130). Here, the effect designation command output in the process of S130 is an image designation command for instructing the start of variable display of the effect symbol corresponding to the effect pattern (image effect pattern) determined in S110.

  In addition, the sound production process corresponding to the production pattern determined in S110 is output by the sound output means 106F (S140).

  Next, it is determined by the main control command input means 106A and the main control command analysis means 106B whether or not a main control command (stop command) for instructing the end of the variation display of the effect symbols has been input (S150). If it is determined in S100 that the main control command including the variation pattern designation command and the symbol designation command has not been input (S100: NO), the process proceeds to S150 without executing the processing of S110 to S140. .

  Then, when it is determined that the main control command (stop command) for instructing the end of the production has been input (S150: YES), an effect designation command (instruction end command) for instructing the end of the variation display of the production symbols is produced. It is output from the designated command output means 106E to the effect control unit 110 (S160).

  Next, the feedback request timing monitoring means 106G determines whether or not the time is up (S170). In S170, it is determined whether or not a certain time has elapsed since the output of the previous feedback request command. If it is determined that the certain time has elapsed, the time is treated as time-up.

  If it is determined that the time is up (S170: YES), a feedback request command is output from the feedback request instruction output means 106H to the effect control unit 110. Here, by passing through the steps of S150 to S170, the feedback request command is sent to the effect control unit 110 by shifting from the transmission timing of the effect designation command (image designation command) for instructing the start of the change display of the effect symbol. Can be output.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the feedback command output from the effect control unit 110 is input by the feedback command input means 106I (S190).

  When it is determined that the feedback command has been input (S190: YES), the content (effect information) of the effect control process of the effect control unit 110 specified from the input feedback command and the state storage means 106D are stored. The contents (effect information) of the effect control process are compared by the abnormality presence / absence determining means 106J (S200). In other words, in S200, the contents of the effect control process instructed by the effect designation command transmitted from the sub control unit 106 to the effect control unit 110 and the contents of the effect control process executed in the effect control unit 110 are: To be compared.

  When it is determined that the content of the effect control process (effect information) of the effect control unit 110 specified from the input feedback command matches the content of the effect control process (effect information) stored in the state storage unit 106D. In (S210: YES), the effect control process in the sub-control unit 106 ends.

  On the other hand, it is determined that the content (production information) of the production control process of the production control unit 110 specified from the input feedback command does not match the content (production information) of the production control process stored in the state storage unit 106D. If it is (S210: NO), a return command is output from the return command output means 106K to the effect control unit 110 (S220). When the return command is output, the effect control process in the sub-control unit 106 ends.

  Here, the content of the effect control process (effect information) of the effect control unit 110 specified from the feedback command input to the sub control unit 106 and the content of the effect control process stored in the state storage unit 106D of the sub control unit 106 The following situation can be illustrated as a situation where (effect information) does not match.

  That is, the content (effect information) of the effect control process of the effect control unit 110 specified from the feedback command corresponds to the display of the background symbol indicating the time reduction mode on the display surface 62A of the effect symbol display device 62. The contents of the effect control processing (effect information) stored in the state storage means 106D of the sub-control unit 106 correspond to the display of the background symbol indicating the probability variation mode on the display surface 62A of the effect symbol display device 62. This is the case. This is because, although the current gaming state (the current gaming state recognized by the sub-control unit 106) is being probabilistic (the background symbol indicating the probability changing mode is being displayed), the effect symbol display device 62 In this case, the display surface 62 </ b> A is displayed with the display of time reduction (display of the background symbol indicating the time reduction mode). In such a case, a return command for normally displaying “background symbol indicating the probability variation mode” on the display surface 62A of the effect symbol display device 62 is output to the effect control unit 110 (S220).

  When it is determined in S150 that the main control command (stop command) for instructing the end of the production is not input (S150: NO), the process proceeds from S150 to S190. If it is determined in S170 that the time is not up (S170: NO), the process proceeds from S170 to S190.

  If it is determined in S190 that no feedback command has been input (S190: NO), the effect control process in the sub-control unit 106 ends at that time.

  Next, the effect control process in the effect control unit 110 performed in association with the effect control process in the sub-control unit 106 described above will be described based on a flowchart.

  As shown in FIG. 6, it is determined whether or not an effect designation command (image designation command) relating to the start of an image effect (effect symbol variation display) is input by the effect designation command input means 110 </ b> A of the effect control unit 110. (S300).

  If it is determined that an image designation command has been input (S300: YES), image output processing based on this image designation command is executed by the image output means 110C (S310). In this image output process, based on the variation pattern of the effect symbol designated by the image designation command, image data related to the variation display of the effect symbol is output to the effect symbol display device 62, and the display surface 62A of the effect symbol display device 62 is displayed. The effect design is displayed in a variable manner. At this time, the background symbols are also displayed on the display surface 62A of the effect symbol display device 62.

  Next, information related to the effect currently being executed (information related to effect display using effect symbols and background symbols displayed on the display surface 62A of the effect symbol display device 62, that is, image information) is stored by the state storage means 110D. (S320).

  Next, it is determined by the effect designation command input means 110A whether or not an effect designation command (effect end command) related to the effect end (the end of the effect symbol variation display) has been input (S330).

  If it is determined that the effect end command has been input (S330: YES), the image output process based on the image designation command ends (S340). Thereby, the variation display of the effect symbol is completed on the display surface 62A of the effect symbol display device 62.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a feedback request command has been input by the feedback request instruction input means 110E (S350).

  If it is determined that the feedback request command has been input (S350: YES), a feedback command indicating the effect information (image information) stored by the state storage unit 110D is sent from the feedback command output unit 110F to the sub-control unit 106. In response to this, the data is output (S360).

  Next, it is determined by the return command input means 110G whether a return command has been input (S370).

  If it is determined that a return command has been input (S370: YES), the image output unit 110 executes an image output process based on the return command (S380). That is, when a return command is input, the effect control process of the effect control unit 110 is output to the sub-control unit 106 by the above-described processing of S360 and specified from the feedback command input to the feedback command input means 106I. This means that the content (production information) and the content (production information) of the production control process stored in the state storage means 106D of the sub-control unit 106 do not match, and the production control unit 110 is accurate (normal) ) Production control processing is not executed. Therefore, the content (effect information) of the effect control process of the effect control unit 110 specified from the input feedback command, the content (effect information) of the effect control process stored in the state storage means 106D of the sub-control unit 106, A process is performed such that the two match. Thereby, the effect control process in the effect control unit 110 is corrected, and a normal effect display based on the return command output from the sub-control unit 106 (in this example, display of a normal background symbol (background effect)) is executed. Is done.

  Next, effect information (image information) currently being output is stored by the state storage means 110D (S390). Thereafter, the effect control process in the effect control unit 110 ends.

  If it is determined in S300 that an image designation command has not been input (S300: NO), the process proceeds from S300 to S330. If it is determined in S330 that an effect end command has not been input (S330: NO), the process proceeds from S330 to S350. If it is determined in S350 that the feedback request command is not input (S350: NO), the process proceeds from S350 to S370. Furthermore, when it is determined in S370 that the return command has not been input (S370: NO), there is no need to correct the image output content, and the effect control process in the effect control unit 110 is terminated as it is.

  As described above, according to the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, the feedback request command is rendered from the sub control unit 106 so as to be shifted from the transmission timing of the effect designation command for instructing the start of variation of the effect symbol. It is transmitted to the control unit 110. For this reason, the sub-control unit 106 receives a feedback command that appropriately reflects the contents of the effect control process executed by the effect control unit 110 in response to the effect designation command (contents displayed on the display surface 62A of the effect symbol display device 62). The contents (effect information) of the effect control process executed by the effect control unit 110 can always be accurately grasped by the sub-control unit 106.

  In other words, when the effect designation command is transmitted to the effect control unit 110 at the same transmission timing as the transmission timing of the effect designation command instructing the effect control process in order to instruct the start of variation of the effect symbol, in the effect control unit 110 Depending on the temporal relationship between the start timing of the game effect based on the reception of the effect designation command and the generation timing of the feedback command based on the reception of the feedback request command in the effect control unit 110, the effect control unit 110 specified by the feedback command The content (production information) of the production control process in is not based on the current production designation command but based on the previous production designation command or based on the current production designation command. Of these, there is no problem in the latter case, but in the former case, the production control unit 110 receives the production designation command for instructing the start of the variation display of the production symbol, and normally executes the production control process. However, the sub control unit 106 may determine that the effect control unit 110 is not performing normal effect control processing. In this case, the sub control unit 106 cannot accurately grasp the contents of the effect control process executed by the effect control unit 110.

  Therefore, when confirming whether or not the effect control process based on the effect designation command from the sub-control unit 106 is executed in the effect control unit 110, the transmission request of the feedback request command is instructed to start the change of the effect symbol. By setting so as to deviate from the transmission timing of the production designation command, the production control unit 110 provides a feedback command that accurately reflects the contents (production information) of the production control process executed by the production control unit 110 in response to the production designation command. To the sub-control unit 106. As a result, the contents of the effect control process executed by the effect control unit 110 can always be accurately grasped by the sub control unit 106.

  In particular, when the feedback request command is transmitted to the effect control unit 110 at the same transmission timing as the transmission timing of the effect designation command related to the end of the variation display of the effect symbol, for example, a game with a short symbol variation time ( After the end of the game effect (such as a probability variation game or a short-time game where the variation time of the effect symbol is shortened), feedback commands are also sent to the sub-control unit 106 one after another after a short time. This causes a problem that the number of times of transmission increases too much. Therefore, in S170 of FIG. 5, by adding a condition that the next feedback request command is transmitted every time a certain period of time has elapsed since the previous feedback request command was transmitted, the number of feedback command transmissions is appropriately set. Can be adjusted to the number of times.

Next, a modified example of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment will be described.
Each modification is obtained by deleting a part of the step (process) of the effect control process in the sub-control unit 106. For this reason, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the step which overlaps with the step of the presentation control process in the sub control part 106, and the description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

(First modification)
In the first modification, the feedback request command is output to the effect control unit 110 when the effect symbol variation display ends. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, after the end of step S160, the process proceeds to S180. For this reason, in the production control process of the first modification, there is no step corresponding to S170 of FIG. 5 of the first embodiment. In the first modified example, the feedback request command is sent to the sub-control unit 106 at the same timing as the timing at which an effect designation command for instructing the end of the variable display of the effect symbol is transmitted from the sub-control unit 106 to the effect control unit 110. Can be transmitted to the production control unit 110. Thereby, in the first modification, it is possible to output a feedback request command to the effect control unit 110 with a shift from the transmission timing of the effect designation command for instructing the start of the change of the effect symbol.

  According to the first modification, the feedback request command is output to the effect control unit 110 when the effect symbol variation display ends, and therefore, the effect designation that instructs the feedback request command to stop the effect symbol variation. It can be sent in the command. As a result, a feedback request command and an effect designation command for instructing to stop changing the effect symbol can be transmitted to the effect control unit 106 by a single command transmission. As a result, an extra transmission process can be reduced and the command transmission efficiency can be increased.

  Here, in the case where an effect designating command for instructing to stop changing the effect design includes contents requesting a response to the received command indicating the reception of the effect designating command in the effect control unit 110, the received command is displayed. This can be shared as a feedback command from the effect control unit 110. As a result, the command transmission process can be minimized, and the command transmission efficiency can be increased.

(Second modification)
In the second modified example, the feedback request command to be transmitted next time is the transmission timing of the production designation command for instructing the start of the production symbol variation after a predetermined time has elapsed since the output of the previous feedback request command. And output to the effect control unit 110. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, after the end of S140, it is determined whether or not it is at the time of starting the change of the effect symbol (S230). If it is not at the start of changing the effect design (S230: NO), it is determined whether or not the time has shifted to S170 and the time is up (S170). If it is determined that the time is up (S170: YES), the process proceeds to S180, and a feedback request command is output to the effect control unit 110. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S190 and each step is executed. As described above, in the second modification, the next feedback request command is sent to the effect control unit 110 only when a certain time has elapsed since the output of the previous feedback request command and when it is not at the start of the change of the effect symbol. Are output.

  According to the second modified example, the feedback request command transmitted next time is an effect designation command for instructing the start of variation of the effect design after a predetermined time has elapsed since the output of the previous feedback request command. It is output to the production control unit 110 with a shift from the transmission timing. As a result, the sub-control unit 106 receives the feedback command many times each time a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous feedback request command was output. As a result, the contents of the effect control process executed by the effect control unit 110 can be confirmed periodically.

  In particular, when the feedback request command is transmitted to the sub-control unit 106 at the same transmission timing as the transmission timing of the effect designation command instructing the control process related to the end of the game effect, for example, one symbol variation time After a game effect for a short game (such as a probabilistic game or a short-time game where the variation time of the design symbol is shortened), feedback commands will be sent one after another after a short time. There is a problem that the number of times increases too much. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the number of feedback command transmissions to an appropriate number of times by adding a condition that the next feedback request command is transmitted every time a certain period of time has elapsed since the previous feedback request command was transmitted. it can. In addition, without passing through S150 of FIG. 5 (FIG. 7), instead of passing through S230 of FIG. 8, the feedback request is shifted from the transmission timing of the production designation command for instructing the start of the production symbol variation. Since the command is output to the effect control unit 110, as described above, the sub control unit 106 makes an erroneous determination even though the control process by the effect control unit 110 is normally performed. Can be prevented.

  Next, a pachinko machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment has no sound source IC provided in the sub control unit 106 as compared with the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, and the image of the effect control unit 110. This is a sound / image output means 110C ′ adopting a sound source built-in VDP as an output means. Due to the difference in configuration, the effect designation command output from the effect designation command output means 106E of the sub-control unit 106 includes the contents related to the sound designation information. In addition, about the other structure of the sub control part 106 and the production | generation control part 110, it is the same, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the overlapping structure, and the description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

  Next, an effect control process in the sub control unit 106 of the pachinko machine according to the second embodiment will be described. In addition, about the process which overlaps with the process of the effect control process in the sub control part 106 of the pachinko machine 10 of 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in S130, an effect designation command corresponding to the determined effect pattern is output to the effect control unit 110. Here, the effect designation command includes a sound designation command for designating a sound (sound data) output from the sound / image output means 110 ′ in addition to an image designation command for designating an effect design to be variably displayed. . The sound designation command is used to specify the type, tone color, volume, etc. of the output sound. After the end of S130, the process proceeds to S150, and it is determined by the main control command input means 106A and the main control command analysis means 106B whether or not a main control command (stop command) for instructing the end of production has been input (S150). ).

  In S200, an effect control process (a process related to an effect display using an effect symbol or a background symbol and a sound output process related to sound output) instructed by an effect designation command transmitted from the sub control unit 106 to the effect control unit 110; The effect control process executed in the effect control unit 110 (the process related to the variation display of the effect symbol and the sound output process related to the sound output) is compared.

  As a result, if the two do not match (S210: NO), the effect control process (process related to the effect display using the effect symbol and the background symbol and the sound output process related to the sound output) executed in the effect control unit 110 in S220. A return command for correcting the contents is output (S220).

  Next, an effect control process in the effect control unit 110 of the pachinko machine according to the second embodiment will be described. In addition, about the process which overlaps with the process of the effect control process in the effect control part 110 of the pachinko machine 10 of 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in S300, it is determined whether or not an effect designation command (image designation command and sound designation command) has been input by the effect designation command input means 106E of the effect control unit 110 (S300).

  If it is determined that an effect designation command has been input (S300: YES), in S310, the sound / image output means 110C ′ executes image output processing and sound output processing based on the effect designation command (S310). ). In this image output process, the effect symbols are displayed in a variable manner on the display surface 62 A of the effect symbol display device 62 based on the effect symbol change pattern instructed by the image designation command. In the sound output process, the sound (tone color and volume) specified by the sound designation command is output from the sound / image output means 110C '.

  In S320, information (image information and sound information) related to the currently executed effect is stored in the state storage unit 110D (S320).

  If it is determined in S330 that an effect end command has been input (S330: YES), the image output process and the sound output process based on the effect designation command are ended (S340).

  If it is determined in S350 that a feedback request command has been input (S350: YES), a feedback command indicating effect information (image information and sound information) stored in the state storage unit 110D is output from the feedback command output unit 110F. This is output to the sub-control unit 106 (S360). Here, in the feedback command, in addition to the image information described in the first embodiment, information related to the volume of the sound production that is the basis for producing the game, information related to the song number of the performance song, and information related to error sound reproduction Various sound information is included.

  If it is determined in S370 that a return command has been input (S370: YES), the sound / image output means 110C 'executes image output processing and sound output processing based on the return command (S380). Thereby, the effect control process in the effect control unit 110 is corrected, and normal effect display (image output) and sound output based on the effect designation command output from the sub-control unit 106 are executed.

  In S390, the presentation information (image information and sound information) currently being output is stored in the state storage unit 110D (S390). Thereafter, the effect control process in the effect control unit 110 ends.

  As described above, the pachinko machine according to the second embodiment is provided with a sound source in the effect control unit 110. Based on the effect designation command output from the sub control unit 106, the sound / image is processed together with the effect image variation process. Sound output processing for outputting sound from the output means 110C ′ is executed.

  Also in this case, the sub-control unit 106 can recognize whether or not the sound output processing by the sound / image output unit 110C ′ of the effect control unit 110 is normally executed based on the effect designation command. When the sound output process by the sound / image output unit 110C ′ of the effect control unit 110 is not based on the effect designation command, a normal sound output process is performed by outputting a return command to the effect control unit 110. Can be corrected.

  Also in the second embodiment, similarly to the first modification, the feedback request command may be set to be output to the effect control unit 110 when the effect symbol variation display ends. Good. Similarly to the second modification, the feedback request command to be transmitted next time is for determining a change start condition of the production symbol after a certain time has elapsed since the output of the previous feedback request command. It may be set so as to be output to the effect control unit 110 by shifting from the transmission timing of the effect designation command.

10 Pachinko machines (game machines)
102 Main control unit 106 Sub control unit (first sub control unit)
106H Feedback request instruction output means (request signal transmission means)
106J Abnormality presence / absence determination means (control processing content comparison means)
106K Return command output means (correction signal transmission means)
110 Production control unit (second sub-control unit)
110F Feedback command output means (confirmation signal transmission means)

Claims (2)

A main control unit that transmits a first control signal related to a game effect, and a first control signal that receives a control signal for realizing a game effect in response to the first control signal from the main control unit. A second control unit configured to enable transmission / reception of a control signal between the sub-control unit and the first sub-control unit, and executing control processing based on the second control signal from the first sub-control unit; A gaming machine having a sub-control unit and an effect symbol display device that displays a symbol based on a control signal from the second sub-control unit,
The first sub-control unit is for realizing an effect pattern determining means for determining an effect pattern displayed on the effect symbol display device based on the first control signal, and a symbol variation effect according to the effect pattern. First state storage means for storing information, production designation command output means for transmitting the second control signal for executing the production pattern to the second sub control unit, and execution by the second sub control unit Request signal transmitting means for transmitting to the second sub-control unit a request signal for requesting transmission of a feedback signal indicating the content of the control processing to be performed, and specifying from the feedback signal when the feedback signal is received An abnormality presence / absence determining means for determining whether or not the information to be stored matches the information stored in the first state storage means,
The second sub-control unit generates image data based on the second control signal, transmits image data to the effect symbol display device, and a symbol executed by the second sub-control unit. A second state storage means for storing information on variation effects, and a feedback signal including information on the design variation effects stored in the second state storage means upon receipt of the request signal to the first sub-control unit. And a feedback signal transmission means for transmitting the game machine. When the first sub-control unit determines that the symbol information does not match by the abnormality presence / absence determination means, the content of the control process executed in the second sub-control unit is the second control signal. A correction signal transmitting means for transmitting a correction signal to be corrected to the content of the instructed control processing to the second sub-control unit;
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the second sub-control unit executes display of the symbol on the effect symbol display device based on a correction signal received from the correction signal output unit.

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